Telescoping luggage handle and stabilizer

ABSTRACT

A telescoping luggage handle and stabilizer are provided. The telescoping luggage handle includes an elongated element, a conduit, and at least one stabilizer. The conduit is for receiving the elongated element, and the stabilizer is for restricting lateral movement of the elongated in relation to the conduit. The stabilizer includes a cap and a biasing member. The biasing member engages a flexible portion of the cap.

FIELD

The present specification relates generally to luggage and morespecifically relates to a stabilization mechanism for a luggage handle.

BACKGROUND

Travel is a common human activity and luggage is an important feature oftravel. When it comes to air travel, the demands on luggage can beparticularly intense.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided atelescoping luggage handle. The luggage handle includes an elongatedelement and a conduit for receiving said elongated element. Theelongated element has a retracted position in relation to the conduitwherein the elongated element is substantially entirely disposed withinthe conduit. The elongated element is movable from the retractedposition to an extended position wherein a predefined length of theelongated element remains within the conduit. The luggage handle furtherincludes at least one stabilizer disposed along the predefined lengthwhen the elongated element is in the extended position. The at least onestabilizer is configured to restrict lateral movement of the elongatedin relation to the conduit.

The at least one stabilizer may be a plurality of stabilizers.

The at least one stabilizer may be further configured to restrictlongitudinal movement of the elongated element between the extendedposition and the retracted position.

A first stabilizer of the plurality of stabilizers may include a firststopping face. A second stabilizer of the plurality of stabilizers mayinclude a second stopping face. The first stopping face may contact thesecond stopping face to restrict longitudinal movement of the elongatedelement.

The at least one stabilizer may be configured to permit said elongatedelement to slide within said conduit between said retracted position andsaid extended position.

The at least one stabilizer may include a cap having a flexible portionand an opening. The cap may be disposed at an end of the conduit toreceive the elongated element through the opening. The at least onestabilizer may include a biasing member engaging the flexible portion ofthe cap. The biasing member may urge the flexible portion of the captoward the elongated element.

The biasing member may include a clip spring.

The biasing member may include a resilient material disposed in saidflexible portion.

The telescoping luggage handle may further include a retaining mechanismdisposed on the cap and on the end of said conduit. The retainingmechanism may be configured to retain the cap on the conduit.

The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap. Theprotrusion may be configured to mate with the conduit.

The at least one stabilizer may include a cap having a flexible portion.The cap may be disposed at an end of the elongated element such that thecap is received by the conduit. The at least one stabilizer may includea biasing member engaging the flexible portion of the cap. The biasingmember may urge the flexible portion of the cap toward an inside wall ofthe conduit.

The biasing member may include a coil spring.

The telescoping luggage handle may further include a retaining mechanismdisposed on the cap and on the end of the elongated element. Theretaining mechanism may be configured to retain the cap on the elongatedelement.

The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap. Theprotrusion may be configured to mate with the elongated element.

The conduit and the elongated element may include a peanut shaped crosssection.

The conduit may be at least as long as said predefined length.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided astabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle. The stabilizer includes acap having a flexible portion and having an opening. The cap isconfigured to be disposed at an end of a conduit. The cap is furtherconfigured to receive an elongated element through the opening Thestabilizer further includes a biasing member engaging the flexibleportion of the cap. The biasing member urges the flexible portion of thecap toward the elongated element.

The stabilizer may further include a stopping face configured torestrict longitudinal movement of the elongated element relative to theconduit.

The stabilizer may further include a retaining mechanism disposed on thecap. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain the cap on theconduit.

The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap. Theprotrusion may be configured to mate with the conduit.

The biasing member may include a clip spring.

The biasing member may include resilient material disposed in saidflexible portion

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there isprovided a stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle. The stabilizerincludes a cap having a flexible portion the cap configured to bedisposed at an end of an elongated element. The cap is configured to bereceived by a conduit. The stabilizer further includes a biasing memberengaging the flexible portion of the cap. The biasing member urges saidflexible portion of the cap toward an inside wall of the conduit.

The stabilizer may further include a stopping face configured torestrict longitudinal movement of the elongated element relative to theconduit.

The stabilizer may further include a retaining mechanism disposed on thecap. The retaining mechanism may be configured to retain said cap onsaid elongated element.

The retaining mechanism may include a protrusion on the cap. Theprotrusion may be configured to mate with the elongated element.

The biasing member may include a coil spring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telescoping luggage handle accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a telescoping luggage handle accordingto another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the telescoping luggage handle in aretracted position according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view of the telescoping luggage handle throughthe line A-A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a telescoping luggage handle accordingto another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a portion of the telescoping luggage handleaccording to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the portion of the telescoping luggagehandle shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross section view of a portion of the telescoping luggagehandle shown in FIG. 7 when the telescoping luggage handle is in anextended position;

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of a stabilizer according to anembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross section view of a stabilizer according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the stabilizer according to theembodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12A is a top view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 12B is a front view of the stabilizer according to the embodimentof FIG. 9;

FIG. 12C is a side view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a cross section view of the stabilizer through the line B-Bof FIG. 12B;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a clip spring;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the stabilizer according to theembodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 16A is a top view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 16B is a front view of the stabilizer according to the embodimentof FIG. 10;

FIG. 16C is a side view of the stabilizer according to the embodiment ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 16D is a bottom view of the stabilizer according to the embodimentof FIG. 10;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a stabilizer according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a stabilizer according to yet anotherembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a stabilizer according to yet anotherembodiment;

FIG. 20 is a front view of the telescoping luggage handle according tothe embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a back view of the telescoping luggage handle according tothe embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 22 is a left side view of the telescoping luggage handle accordingto the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 23 is a right side view of the telescoping luggage handle accordingto the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the telescoping luggage handle according to theembodiment of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the telescoping luggage handle according tothe embodiment of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, any usage of terms that suggest an absolute orientation(e.g. “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, etc.) are for illustrativeconvenience and refer to the orientation shown in a particular figure.However, such terms are not to be construed in a limiting sense as it iscontemplated that various components will, in practice, be utilized inorientations that are the same as, or different than those described orshown.

Referring to FIG. 1, a telescoping luggage handle is indicated generallyat 10. It is to be understood that the telescoping luggage handle 10shown is purely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that a variety of different telescoping luggage handlestructures are contemplated. For example, FIG. 2 shows one suchvariation generally at 50 which includes a structure having one a singletelescoping portion.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the telescoping luggage handle 10 comprises agripping portion 12 for gripping the telescoping luggage handle. Thegripping portion 12 is connected to an elongated element 14. It is to beunderstood that the elongated element 14 is not particularly limited toany material and that several variations are contemplated. Some examplesof materials which are ideal for the elongated element 14 are aluminum,titanium, carbon fiber composites, plastic, and other materials commonlyused in the manufacture of telescoping luggage handles. In particular,the elongated element 14 can be made of any suitable material to form ofa rod. Alternatively, the elongated element 14 can be hollow to reduceweight. The elongated element 14 is received by a conduit 16 through acap 20. Similar to the elongated element 14, the conduit is not limitedto any material and that several variations similar to those mentionedabove are contemplated. It will be recognized the dimensions of theelongated element 14 are designed to allow for the elongated element tomove in a longitudinal direction at least partially within the conduit16. The elongated element 14 is moveable from a retracted position inrelation to the conduit 16 to an extended position. For example, theelongated element 14 can slide between the retracted position and theextended position. When in the retracted position, the elongated element14 is substantially entirely disposed within the conduit 16. When in theextended position, a portion of the elongated element 14 extends fromthe end of the conduit 16. It should be noted that a predefined lengthof the elongated element 14 remains within the conduit 16 when in theextended position. It should be noted that the predefined length variesdepending on the size of the suitcase.

In the present embodiment, the first conduit 16 is further received by asecond conduit 18 through a cap 22. The conduit 16 is designed to allowfor the conduit 16 to move in a longitudinal direction at leastpartially within the second conduit 18. The first conduit 16 is moveablefrom a retracted position in relation to the second conduit 18 to anextended position. For example, elongated element 14 can slide betweenthe retracted position and the extended position. When in the retractedposition, the first conduit 16 is substantially entirely disposed withinthe second conduit 18. When in the extended position, a portion of thefirst conduit 16 extends from the end of the second conduit 18. Itshould be noted that a predefined length of the first conduit 16 remainswithin the second conduit 18 when in the extended position.

Referring to FIG. 3, the present embodiment is shown where thetelescoping luggage handle is in a retracted position. In this position,the elongated element 14 is in a retracted position relative to thefirst conduit 16 which in turn is in a retracted position relative tothe second conduit 18.

In the present embodiment, the elongated element 14, and the conduits 16and 18 have a peanut shaped cross section as shown in FIG. 4. Theelongated element 14, and the conduits 16 and 18 have two wide portions40 at opposite ends of the cross section of the elongated element 14,and the conduits 16 and 18 and a narrow portion 42 in the center of thecross section of the elongated element 14, and the conduits 16 and 18.Furthermore, the wide portions 40 and narrow portions 42 are separatedby an angled portion 44. In this embodiment, the angled portions 44 andthe narrow portions 42 are substantially linear and the angle of theangled portion 44 is approximately forty-five degrees from the narrowportion 42 and the narrow portion. This particular shape is advantageousfor reasons which will be discussed below. In other embodiments, theportions 40, 42, and 44 can be curved or the angled portion can begreater or less than forty-five degrees.

Variations of the telescoping luggage handle 10 are contemplated. Inparticular, it will now be appreciated, with the benefit of thisdescription, that the telescoping luggage handle can include any numberof conduits that can be used as telescoping sections nested within alarger conduit. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,the telescoping luggage handle includes two telescoping sections,elongated element 14 and conduit 16. However, it is also contemplated insome embodiments that there is provided only one telescoping section.Furthermore, it will also be appreciated, that the shape of the conduit16 and the elongated element 14 can have a variety of different crosssections. For example, in some embodiments, the cross section may nothave any linear sections and be shaped like a curved peanut, or theangle of the angled portion can be greater or lesser than forty-fivedegrees. In further embodiments, the cross section can simply berectangular, circular, or oval.

Moreover, although the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3 shows the conduitsprogressively getting larger away from the gripping portion 12, theopposite is also contemplated. For example, the gripping portion 12 canbe connected to the largest conduit from which an elongated elementextends.

Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment is shown generally at 60. Thetelescoping luggage handle 60 comprises a gripping portion 62 forgripping the telescoping luggage handle. The gripping portion 62 isconnected to an elongated element 70. It is to be understood that theelongated element 70 is not particularly limited to any material andthat several variations are contemplated. Some examples of materialswhich are ideal for the elongated element 70 are aluminum, titanium,carbon fiber composites, plastic, and other materials commonly used inthe manufacture of telescoping luggage handles similar to the elongatedelement 14 discussed above. In particular, the elongated element 70 canbe made of any suitable material to form of a rod. Alternatively, theelongated element 70 can be hollow to reduce weight. In this embodiment,the elongated element 70 is received by a conduit 72 built into theluggage through cap 64. It will be recognized the dimensions of theelongated element 70 are designed to allow for the elongated element tomove in a longitudinal direction at least partially within the conduit72. The elongated element 70 is moveable from a retracted position inrelation to the conduit 72 to an extended position. When in the extendedposition, a portion of the elongated element 70 extends from the end ofthe conduit 72. It should be noted that a predefined length of theelongated element 70 remains within the conduit 72 when in the extendedposition. It will now be appreciated, with the benefit of thisdescription, that the length of the conduit 72 is not necessarily equalto or greater than the elongated element 70. The conduit 72 can beshorter than the elongated element 70. For example, the conduit 72 canbe equal in length to the predefined length of the elongated element 70remains within the conduit 72 when in the extended position.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 16, an example of a first stabilizer 100 and asecond stabilizer 200 are shown in detail and in context with theelongated element 14 and the first conduit 16. It is to be understoodthat the first stabilizer 100 and the second stabilizer 200 shown arepurely exemplary and it will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat a variety of different stabilizers are contemplated. Thestabilizers 100 and 200 are disposed on the elongated element 14 and thefirst conduit 16 to restrict the amount of lateral movement of theelongated element 14 in relation to the first conduit 16. Lateralmovement includes any movement of the elongated element 14 in relationto the first conduit 16 except the longitudinal movement where theelongated element 14 moves in a direction along the axis of the conduit16. In the present embodiment, the stabilizers 100 and 200 are disposedwithin a predefined length of the elongated element 14 that remainswithin the conduit 16 when said elongated element 14 is in the extendedposition. As mentioned above, the predefined length in the extendedposition varies depending on the size of the suitcase and the desiredrestriction of the lateral movement of the elongated element 14 relativeto the conduit 16.

Referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C, a top, front and side view,respectively, of the stabilizer 100 is shown. The stabilizer 100includes a cap 20. It is to be understood that the cap 20 is notparticularly limited to any material and that several variations arecontemplated. The cap 20 is disposed at an end of the conduit 16. Thecap 20 includes an opening for receiving the elongated element 14 suchthat the elongated element can freely pass through the cap. The cap 20further includes flexible portion 130 such that when force is applied tothe flexible portion toward the center of the opening, the force wouldbe transferred to the elongated element 14 passing through the opening.It will be appreciated now that it is not necessary for the entire capto be manufactured from the same material. Although it can generally beeasier to manufacture the cap 20 from a single material, it iscontemplated that the cap can include some flexible material and somenon-flexible material. Some examples of flexible materials which areideal for the cap 20 are rubber, plastic, and other materials withsimilar physical properties.

The stabilizer 100 further includes at least one biasing member 110. Inthe present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the stabilizer 100 includestwo biasing members 110. The biasing member engages the flexible portion130 of the cap 20. The biasing member is for urging the flexible portion130 toward the elongated member 14 when the stabilizer has received theelongated member. By urging the flexible portion 130 toward theelongated element 14, the stabilizer 100 effectively holds the elongatedelement steady within the opening to restrict lateral movement inrelation to the conduit 16.

In the present embodiment, the biasing member 110 applies aperpendicular force to the surface of the narrow portion 42 of theelongated element 14. By applying this force, the flexible portion 130is urged toward the elongated element 14 such that the flexible portionwill engage both the surface of the narrow portion 42 and the surface ofthe angled portion 44. Therefore, by having elongated element 14 in theshape shown in FIG. 4, the stabilizer 100 is more effective atstabilizing lateral movement in several directions.

It is to be understood that the biasing member 110 is not particularlylimited to any material or design and that several variations arecontemplated. For example, in the present embodiment, the biasing member110 is a clip spring. The clip spring can be manufactured from variousplastics or metals. Alternatively, the biasing member can also be arubber band. In yet another embodiment, it is also contemplated that thebiasing member is embedded within the cap 20.

FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of a stabilizer generally at 500. Theflexible portion 530 of the stabilizer 500 can be resilient and providea bias toward the center of the opening. Therefore, the biasing membercomprises resilient material disposed within the flexible portion 530.In yet another embodiment, the resilient material can be disposed on theflexible portion 530 as a separate layer. The flexible portion 530 hasan equilibrium position directed toward the center of the open such thatthe opening would be smaller than the dimensions of the elongatedelement 14. Therefore, as the elongated element 14 is inserted, theflexible portion 530 would be flexed in an outward direction. Since theflexible portion 530 includes resilient material to urge the flexibleportion back to the equilibrium position, the resilient material in theflexible portion 530 is the biasing member. It will now be appreciated,with the benefit of this specification, that although the embodiment ofFIG. 17 may not apply a force as large as a force as the embodiment ofFIGS. 6 to 16, the cost of producing the embodiment of FIG. 17 can beless than the cost of other embodiments requiring a separate clipspring.

It will now be appreciated, with the benefit of this specification, thata stabilizer will be effective at restricting lateral movement of theelongated element 14 relative to the conduit 16. Therefore, in oneembodiment, it is possible that a telescoping luggage handle includes asingle stabilizer. However, in another embodiment, a second stabilizer200 can be added to further restrict lateral movement of the elongatedelement 14 relative to the conduit 16.

Referring to back to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D, a top, front, side,and bottom view, respectively, of the second stabilizer 200 is shown.The second stabilizer 200 includes a cap 30. It is to be understood thatthe cap 30 is not particularly limited to any material and that severalvariations are contemplated. In particular, similar materialscontemplated for the cap 20 are also contemplated for the cap 30. Thecap 30 is disposed at an end of the elongated member 14 that is receivedby the conduit 16. The cap 30 includes flexible portion 230 such thatwhen force is applied to the flexible portion outward and away from thecenter, the force would be transferred to the inside wall of the conduit16. It will be appreciated now that it is not necessary for the entirecap to be manufactured from the same material. Although it can generallybe easier to manufacture the cap 30 from a single material, it iscontemplated that the cap 30 can include some flexible materials andsome non-flexible material. Some examples of flexible materials whichare ideal for the cap 30 are similar to those for the cap 20.

The second stabilizer 200 includes a biasing member 210. The biasingmember engages the flexible portion 230 of the cap 30. The biasingmember urges the flexible portion 230 toward the inner wall of conduit16. By urging the flexible portion 230 toward the inner wall of conduit16, the stabilizer 200 effectively holds the elongated element 14 steadywithin the conduit 16 to restrict lateral movement.

In the present embodiment, the biasing member 210 applies aperpendicular force to the inner wall surface of the narrow portion 42of the conduit 16. By applying this force, it will now be appreciatedthat the flexible portion 230 is urged toward the inner wall of theconduit 16 such that the flexible portion 230 will engage both the innerwall surface of the narrow portion 42 and the inner wall surface of theangled portion 44. Therefore, by having the conduit in the shape shownin FIG. 4, the stabilizer 200 is effective at stabilizing lateralmovement in several directions.

It is to be understood that the biasing member 210 is not particularlylimited to any material or design and that several variations arecontemplated. For example, in the present embodiment, the biasing member210 is a coil spring. The coil spring can be manufactured from variousplastics or metals, such as stamped steel. Alternatively, the biasingmember can also be a spring wire. In yet another embodiment, it is alsocontemplated that the biasing member is embedded within the cap 30.

FIG. 18 shows another embodiment of a stabilizer generally at 600configured to be attached to the end of an elongated element 14. Theflexible portion 630 of the stabilizer 600 can be resilient and providea bias outward against the inner wall of the conduit 16. Therefore, thebiasing member comprises resilient material disposed within the flexibleportion 630. The flexible portion 630 has an equilibrium positionextending away from the center such that the stabilizer 600 is widerthan the dimensions of the conduit 16. Therefore, as the elongatedelement 14 is inserted, the flexible portion 630 will be flexed intoward the center in order to fit the stabilizer 600 within the conduit16. Since the flexible portion 630 includes resilient material to urgethe flexible portion 630 back to the equilibrium position, the resilientmaterial in the flexible portion is the biasing member.

Although only two stabilizers have been described, it will now beappreciated, with the benefit of this description, that any number ofstabilizers can be added to restrict lateral movement of the elongatedmember 14 in relation to the conduit 16. For example, it is to beunderstood that the stabilizers 100 and 200 are generally positioned atopposite ends of the predefined length that the elongated element 14remains within said conduit. Therefore, further stabilizers can bedisposed between the stabilizers 100 and 200. Alternatively, it is alsocontemplated that other stabilizers can extend beyond the predefinedlength. For example, it is contemplated that a third stabilizer can beextended deeper in to the conduit to provide further stabilization.

In addition, it will also now be appreciated, with the benefit of thisspecification, that the second stabilizer 200 will also be effective atrestricting lateral movement of the elongated element 14 relative to theconduit 16. Therefore, in one embodiment, a telescoping luggage handlecan only include a single stabilizer such as stabilizer 200 or 600.

In addition to restricting the lateral movement of the elongated element14 in relation to the conduit 16, some embodiments can also use thestabilizers 100 and 200 to restrict the longitudinal movement of theelongated element 14 between a retracted position and an extendedposition. Longitudinal movement includes movements of the elongatedelement 14 along the longitudinal axis of the conduit 16. For example,moving from a retracted position, where the elongated element 14 issubstantially entirely disposed within the conduit 16, to an extendedposition, where only a predefined length of the elongated element 14 isdisposed within the conduit 16, is a longitudinal movement. It is to beunderstood that restricting the longitudinal movement of the elongatedelement 14 can have an added benefit of preventing the elongated element14 from being completely removed from the conduit 16 accidentally. Byincreasing the a length of the elongated element 14 remaining in theconduit 16, the stability of the telescoping luggage handle is furtherenhanced because the effective area of contact between the elongatedelement 14 and the conduit 16 is increased.

In some embodiments, such as the present embodiment, a first stoppingface 120 is disposed on the stabilizer 100 and a second stopping face220 is disposed on the second stabilizer 200. As the elongated element14 is longitudinally moved toward the extended position, the firststopping face 120 contacts the second stopping face 220. Since thestabilizers 100 and 200 are held in place that the end of the conduit 16and elongated member 14, the longitudinal movement of the elongatedelement 14 relative to the conduit 16 is restricted. Other methods ofrestricting the longitudinal movement are also contemplated. Forexample, a protrusion can be disposed on the inner wall of the conduitto interact with the first stopping face 120 or second stopping face220.

In the present embodiment, during longitudinal movement of the elongatedelement 14 relative to the conduit 16, the stabilizer 100 can functionas a bushing to allow for smooth sliding motion of the elongated element14 into and out of the conduit 16 through the opening in the cap 20(i.e. between a retracted position and an extended position). The innerwall of the conduit 16 can also function as a bushing to allow the cap30 to slide smoothly as the elongated element 14 moves into and out ofthe conduit 16 through the opening in the cap 20. It is to be understoodthat as the force exerted by biasing members 110 and 210 on the flexibleportion increases, friction would increase between the elongated element14 and the conduit 16. As friction increases, the amount of force neededto extend and retract the telescoping luggage handle 10 would increaseas well. To control the friction, the amount of force exerted by thebiasing members 110 and 210 can be selected by selecting biasing members110 and 210 with appropriate spring constants and designing thestabilizers 100 and 200 to adjust the amount of force exerted bystabilizers 100 and 200.

In order to retain the stabilizer 100 in place at the end of the conduit16, a retaining mechanism can be used. In the present embodiment, theretaining mechanism comprises a plurality of protrusions 150 and 152.The protrusions 150 and 152 are positioned to mate with openings 70 and72 in the conduit 16. As shown in FIG. 12B, one edge of the protrusions150 and 152 can be angled to permit for easier insertion of thestabilizer 100 into the conduit 16. In other embodiments, othermechanisms can be used to retain the stabilizer 100. For example, FIG.19 shows one such example, where instead of protrusions, ball lockmechanisms 350 and 352 are used to retain a stabilizer 300. In yetanother embodiment, glue can be used to retain the stabilizer at the endof the conduit 16.

In order to retain the stabilizer 200 in place at the end of theelongated element 14, a retaining mechanism can be used. In the presentembodiment, the retaining mechanism includes protrusions 250 and 252.The protrusions 250 and 252 are positioned to mate with openings 70 and72 in the elongated element 14. In other embodiments, other mechanismscan be used to retain the stabilizer 200. For example, a ball lockmechanism similar to the one described above can be used. In yet anotherembodiment, glue can be used to retain the stabilizer at the end of theelongated element 14.

It will be appreciated now that the above description focused on oneelongated element and conduit pair to form a single telescoping sectionin telescoping luggage handle. It is contemplated that a telescopingluggage handle can involve several more telescoping sections. It is tobe understood that each section of the telescoping luggage handle mustbe a different size. Therefore, different sized stabilizers would needto be user. For example, FIG. 1 shows a telescoping luggage handle 10with two telescoping sections where cap 20 would be smaller in diameterthan cap 22.

In embodiments with multiple telescoping sections, it is alsocontemplated that the biasing members for the separate sections can beadjusted such that the force of friction between for each telescopingsection is different. Adjustment can be made by selecting biasingmembers with a desired spring constants or by changing the design of thestabilizer. Therefore, the order by which the telescoping sectionsextend from the retracted position to the extended position can becontrolled by selecting biasing members to apply predetermined forces ineach telescoping section. In regard to the telescoping luggage handle 10shown in FIG. 1, if it is desired to have the elongated element 14extend completely from conduit 16 before conduit 16 begins to extendfrom conduit 18, the biasing members in the stabilizers between theelongated element 14 and the conduit 16 can be adjusted to provide asmaller amount of friction than the stabilizers between the conduit 16and the conduit 18.

In other embodiments, the force of friction can also be adjusted byadjusting the number of stabilizers. For example, in a telescopingsection where a smaller friction force is desired, a single stabilizercan be used instead of the two stabilizers described above.

Referring to FIGS. 20 to 25, several views of the embodiment of FIG. 1are also shown.

Various advantages will now be apparent. Of note is smoother and morestable sliding motion of a telescoping luggage handle is provided. Thestable sliding motion is provided by using spring loaded bushings wherethe springs can be adjusted to optimize drag and friction of the handleinstead of relying on tightly controlled tolerances when manufacturingthe telescoping luggage handle to achieve the same result. Furthermore,it will be appreciated that the effective bearing surface is alsoincreased by increasing the predefined length over overlap.

In other words, the stabilizers allow for larger tolerances in variousparts that are manufactured in various sizes. In particular, by usingelements which include flexible portions, such as stabilizers, it willnow be appreciated, with the benefit of the specification thatvariations in the manufactured size will still have a predictable load.Therefore, by using the stabilizers, a constant contact between thestabilizer surface and its corresponding contact surface on the innerelongated element or conduit is maintained. Furthermore, it isunderstood that the constant contact occurs at all positions of theelongated element within the conduit. In addition, it is alsoappreciated, with the benefit of the description above, that theconstant contact is also maintained through all lateral loads of thetelescoping luggage handle such that when the telescoping luggage handleis pushed sideways, the stabilizer will resist the lateral motion of theelongated element relative to the conduit.

While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, suchembodiments should be considered illustrative only and should not serveto limit the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A telescoping luggage handle comprising; an elongated element; a conduit for receiving said elongated element, said elongated element having a retracted position in relation to said conduit wherein said elongated element is substantially entirely disposed within said conduit, said elongated element movable from said retracted position to an extended position wherein a predefined length of said elongated element remains within said conduit; and at least one stabilizer disposed along said predefined length when said elongated element is in said extended position, said at least one stabilizer configured to restrict lateral movement of said elongated in relation to said conduit.
 2. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizer is a plurality of stabilizers.
 3. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizer is further configured to restrict longitudinal movement of said elongated element between said extended position and said retracted position.
 4. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 2, wherein a first stabilizer of said plurality of stabilizers comprises a first stopping face and a second stabilizer of said plurality of stabilizers comprises a second stopping face, said first stopping face contacting said second stopping face to restrict longitudinal movement of said elongated element.
 5. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizer is configured to permit said elongated element to slide within said conduit between said retracted position and said extended position.
 6. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizer comprises: a cap having a flexible portion and an opening, said cap disposed at an end of said conduit to receive said elongated element through said opening; and a biasing member engaging said flexible portion of said cap, said biasing member urging said flexible portion of said cap toward said elongated element.
 7. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 6, wherein said biasing member comprises a clip spring.
 8. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 6, wherein said biasing member comprises resilient material disposed in said flexible portion.
 9. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 6, further comprising a retaining mechanism disposed on said cap and on said end of said conduit, said retaining mechanism configured to retain said cap on said conduit.
 10. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 9, wherein said retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on said cap, said protrusion configured to mate with said conduit.
 11. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said at least one stabilizer comprises: a cap having a flexible portion, said cap disposed at an end of said elongated element such that said cap is received by said conduit; and a biasing member engaging said flexible portion of said cap, said biasing member urging said flexible portion of said cap toward an inside wall of said conduit.
 12. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 11, wherein said biasing member comprises a coil spring.
 13. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 11, further comprising a retaining mechanism disposed on said cap and on said end of said elongated element, said retaining mechanism configured to retain said cap on said elongated element.
 14. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 13, wherein said retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on said cap, said protrusion configured to mate with said elongated element.
 15. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said conduit and said elongated element comprise a peanut shaped cross section.
 16. The telescoping luggage handle of claim 1, wherein said conduit is at least as long as said predefined length.
 17. A stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle, the stabilizer comprising: a cap having a flexible portion and having an opening, said cap configured to be disposed at an end of a conduit and configured to receive an elongated element through said opening; and a biasing member engaging said flexible portion of said cap, said biasing member urging said flexible portion of said cap toward said elongated element.
 18. The stabilizer of claim 17, further comprising a stopping face configured to restrict longitudinal movement of said elongated element relative to said conduit.
 19. The stabilizer of claim 17, further comprising a retaining mechanism disposed on said cap, said retaining mechanism configured to retain said cap on said conduit.
 20. The stabilizer of claim 19, wherein said retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on said cap, said protrusion configured to mate with said conduit.
 21. The stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said biasing member comprises a clip spring.
 22. The stabilizer of claim 17, wherein said biasing member comprises resilient material disposed in said flexible portion
 23. A stabilizer for a telescoping luggage handle, the stabilizer comprising: a cap having a flexible portion, said cap configured to be disposed at an end of an elongated element, said cap configured to be received by a conduit; and a biasing member engaging said flexible portion of said cap, said biasing member urging said flexible portion of said cap toward an inside wall of said conduit.
 24. The stabilizer of claim 23, further comprising a stopping face configured to restrict longitudinal movement of said elongated element relative to said conduit.
 25. The stabilizer of claim 23, further comprising a retaining mechanism disposed on said cap, said retaining mechanism configured to retain said cap on said elongated element.
 26. The stabilizer of claim 25, wherein said retaining mechanism comprises a protrusion on said cap, said protrusion configured to mate with said elongated element.
 27. The stabilizer of claim 23, wherein said biasing member comprises a coil spring. 